Colombia Murders: Bodies in Garbage Bags Mysteriously Appear in Bogota; Public Fears It Could Be Work of Serial Killer

The number of murders in Colombia seemed to be rising as several bodies wrapped in garbage bags appeared in Bogota city this past few weeks.

According to Infobae, authorities were worried about the murders that had been taking place in Bogota this April. Some of these corpses wrapped in garbage bags reportedly have signs of torture and cuts on their throats, with their hands and feet tied.

The Bogota Metropolitan Police is already investigating more than 10 cases since the start of this month after residents reported seeing the garbage bags with corpses. The bodies were reportedly disposed of like trash in public areas.

The systematic murders worry the public about the possibility of a criminal group doing it or a serial killer. According to reports, two of these bodies were discovered in wooded areas of San Cristobal and Usme towns on April 2.

Both victims, believed to be about 25 years old, have gunshot wounds to their heads. Police said they might have been murdered days ago before discovering the bodies.

On April 12, a passerby reported seeing two black garbage bags that also contained corpses in Plaza España in the town of Los Martires. Authorities said one of the bodies was mutilated with knife wounds, while the other had bullet wounds.

The four bodies packed in garbage bags all have signs of torture, with their hands and feet tied. On April 20, six more bodies appeared in the towns of San Cristobal, Teusaquillo, Usme, Engativa, and Kennedy.

The corpses were also wrapped in black garbage bags and had cut on their throats. A similar scenario was also reported in Teusaquillo town on April 14, when a lifeless man was also found inside a black garbage bag. The victim's hands and feet were tied, and the body reportedly bore signs of torture.

Reacting to these murders, the Secretary of Security of Bogota, Anibal Fernandez de Soto, said they would prioritize investigating criminal gangs and small drug trafficking groups that operate in the city.

Fernandez de Soto added that they would provide a reward for anyone who could give information about these murders.

Murder Rate in Bogota in Colombia

Bogota is the biggest city in Colombia and also the country's capital. Reports said poverty levels in the city are rising, pulling criminal activities along. Last year, the city of some 11 million people registered 754 murders and more than 65,000 robberies.

In 2020, there were 1,031 recorded murders and more than 81,000 robberies. For the whole country, the National Police recorded 12,018 homicides in 2020, marking a murder rate of 24.3 per 100,000 people.

According to Finance Colombia, it was down just over six percent from the total killings tallied in 2019. Antioquia accounted for most of the country's drop in homicides in 2020, but authorities continued to see active operations from various criminal groups.

Travel Safety Tips for Your Trip in Bogota, Colombia

Colombia has a poor reputation when it comes to the safety of travelers. According to the latest Global Peace Index, Colombia ranked 144th out of 164 countries, citing high levels of homicides, access to weapons, internal conflict, and displaced people.

However, JTG Travel reported that Bogota is one of South America's safest urban areas. The city is generally safe for tourists as long as visitors exercise caution. Petty street crime is probably the biggest threat to tourists.

Pickpockets are reportedly common in crowded areas and on public transport. So, tourists are advised to remain vigilant of their belongings at all times, stick to well-lit areas at night and take taxis rather than walk.

Tourists should also avoid drawing attention to themselves by wearing flashy jewelry, using expensive smartphones, tablets, or cameras in plain view of others, or carrying large amounts of cash.

If mugged, it is probably better not to resist. While no one wants to lose their possessions, it's still the safer option than risking angering a potentially-armed criminal.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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